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John Rich Charged With Assault

John Rich turned himself in to police Thursday to face misdemeanor charges of assault and harassment filed by former 'Nashville Star' contestant Jared Ashley.

The charges stem partly from an alleged altercation at Rich's private Nashville nightclub, The Spot, where Ashley claims the country mogul punched him in the face. Rich insists that he simply had security throw the aspiring singer out, as he was in the club without permission.

"This entire ridiculous situation is nothing more than an effort by Jared Ashley and Music Row attorney Chris Sevier, to try to obtain money from me," Rich writes in a statement obtained by MusicCityTV.com. "Mr. Sevier and Mr. Ashley have falsely accused me of misdemeanor crimes. I trust that the truth will come out through the process of our American justice system and that I will be completely exonerated at the end of the day."

The feud between the two singers has been brewing for a few years. Rich once accused Ashley of breaking into his Nashville home -- a claim Ashley vehemently denies. Just one day after the incident at The Spot, Ashley posted a YouTube video of his performance at a downtown Nashville honkeytonk, during which Rich gets up on stage and interrupts the set. And in April, Rich sued Ashley for defamation, taking Ashley to task for saying in a radio interview that Rich had punched him.

"It's unfortunately common in my line of work that there are a very small number of people who want to take advantage of another person's success and try to get something for nothing," Rich says in his prepared statement. "I truly did make every effort to work this out in connection with the defamation lawsuit I filed against Mr. Ashley."

Rich explains that he turned himself in to police because he'd rather defend himself through the law than try to settle with Ashley.

"I decided that a civil settlement would be impossible due to the fact that Mr. Ashley and his attorney demanded that I pay Jared Ashley 2.9 million dollars, even though he is the one who has defamed me," Rich insists.

Rich was released Thursday on $3,000 bond.

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welchpoohbe

Glory2001-It's hard not to admire your tenacity in defending John Rich. I have tried to remain as optimistic as you, I cannot. John has done the things of which he is accused. Everybody seems to be aware of his very public behavior, except you. I would like for you to know that I've always wanted John to do well, honestly, but enough is enough. He needs to get a grip on reality. I don't want John to lose here, but believe me, he already has. It's too late. I wholeheartly believe that his drinking is at the root of his problems. Where are his family? Where are his friends? I know that he has them. Why are they letting him do this to himself? Sincerely, Poohbe

June 04 2009 at 11:32 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jaf816

I am NOT sorry to say

June 03 2009 at 7:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
grnizb4u

I go along with more than half the people whom have posted comments on this subject. John Rich is very arrogant. He should stick to producing, and stay away from singing. I do believe that he punched Ashley in the face... because he thinks he can, and he will probably get away with it.

May 31 2009 at 5:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
glory2001

What people need to remember is that there were TWO episodes, one at Legends Corner, where they filmed and put on youtube, and the other one at John PRIVATE club, where Jared Ashley was asked to leave, and did not want to. John Rich is a talented singer song writer and producer. Jared Ashley wants Money. I read an article where he has already decided what he wants to do with the money he gets from John?? A little early to decide that.
People criticize John for everything. He does a patriotic song and they say he taking advantage, he can't win, because he tells it like it is, and does not pamper peoples feelings. Good for him, I was raised by outspoken people and I always know where I stand. I love JOhn Rich and his music, and am looking forward to Big and Rich touring this summer.

May 30 2009 at 3:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SMRTNUP

Now Hear This !!! . . . Country Music is an older form of entertainment than any other in America apart from Indian Tribal Dances and Songs. . . It will still be widely popular when Hippity-Hop, Rap-pot, Mod-un, Pop-Off, and all the others are only a BAD MEMORY. . . . WHY ? . . Because they HAVE NO SUBSTANCE NOR INTELLIGIBLE MEANING . . .Better known as TRASH !!! . . . Country Music tells a REAL STORY, YOU CAN UNDERSTAND ALL THE LYRICS and THE MUSIC IS IRRESISTIBLE !!! . . . PERIOD !

May 30 2009 at 12:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Wynde

Peculiar to me how many haters there are. More specifically, the ones who claim to hate country music, yet here they are on this site pertaining to country music. Aside from everyone's personal opinions about John Rich, it should be blatantly obvious to all that this is a FRIVELOUS law suit brought about by a man with a need to garner publicity for himself as his talent clearly isn't sufficient. The irony in all of these comments is that people are "quoting" and "citing" instances like they have personal direct knowledge. How many of the people responsible for these comments have actually ever spent ONE SINGLE MINUTE with John Rich,let alone enough time to ACTUALLY KNOW the man himself? Sheesh - things that make you go hmmmmm.

May 30 2009 at 12:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SMRTNUP

Seems like Ashley has gotten a little piece of publicity and HE LIKES IT !!! . . And HE NEEDS MONEY cause he ain't workin' regular . . . IMHO

May 30 2009 at 11:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
DUKE

LOVERS QUARRAL?

May 30 2009 at 7:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Greg

What is with everyone saying they dont like JR. He just speaks his mind and tells it like it is!! Just let it go!

May 30 2009 at 1:35 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
melowies

Why are there so many Rich haters? Jealous??? You have to have some arrogance and self assurance to make it in his business. Is he suppose to be a weak woosy for you to like him? Besides, what has he ever done to any of you. That's what I thought, nuttin. You're just a bunch of haters is all. I can't wait to go see him when he comes to town this summer. He always puts on a good show. Good luck to ya John, stay strong.

May 30 2009 at 1:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply